Chapter 2

I remembered how much Zoe adored her dad.

Not wanting her to leave with regrets, I dialed his number with a composed face.

"Then I'll give him one more chance."

The call was quickly answered.

"What is it this time? You have time to call me; you should spend more with Zoe drawing."

Yes, Zoe loved drawing with me the most.

But we would never have that chance again.

"Come to the crematorium to see your daughter one last time."

I held back tears, speaking calmly.

"Heh."

Declan laughed mockingly, "Where did you learn these lines? Don't teach Zoe bad things."

"Let Zoe talk to me."

"You can't hear her voice anymore."

"If she's asleep, then tomorrow. I'm busy now."

Without listening further, Declan hung up.

He even turned off his phone.

If he wouldn't listen, let him regret it.

Watching the fire turn my daughter's small body into ashes.

My heart hurt so much I could barely breathe.

I silently made a vow in my heart.

At home, I held a memorial service for my daughter.

Guests were curious.

"Adeline, where's Zoe's dad?"

"Yeah, what's more important than a child's funeral?"

Indeed, I also wondered what Declan was doing.

My daughter's playful smile appeared in my mind.

"Mommy, come catch me."

"Mommy, my birthday wish is to celebrate with both parents, okay?"

A noise at the door snapped me back.

I looked up to see Declan, who hadn't been home for days, carrying a big cake.

Beside him were Nora and her son, both dressed in red.

I felt a sting in my nose and looked down.

"Adeline, what are you doing? Turning our home into a funeral hall."

Guests started whispering as Declan walked in with the unfamiliar pair.

He sensed something was wrong.

He saw our daughter's black-and-white photo on the table.

Emotionally charged, he shouted, "Adeline, you've gone too far. Why put Zoe's photo here?"

"You're crazy and shouldn't curse my daughter."

"Can't you see? This is Zoe's funeral and memorial service." My tone was calm, devoid of emotion.

Declan squinted, frowning, in disbelief.

To cover up his unease, he raised his voice several times.

"No, this must be some trick of yours. Tell me, where are you hiding Zoe? Bring her out."

"Dad Declan, where's Zoe? Didn't we agree to celebrate her birthday today?"

Nora's son, Jasper, asked.

Yes, today was supposed to be my daughter's fifth birthday.

But it turned out like this.